KGH Refutes Claims Linking Patient’s Death to Oxygen Shortage

King George Hospital (KGH) authorities on Friday dismissed reports circulating on television channels and social media claiming that the death of a woman admitted to the hospital was caused by a lack of oxygen supply.

KGH Superintendent Dr. I. Vani said the patient, identified as V. Devi from the Dhumakonda area of Hyderabad, was brought to the hospital at 2.45 a.m. on November 6 with fever, abdominal pain, and vomiting. She was examined by the duty doctor and then shifted to the Rajendra Prasad ward, where treatment began.

Doctors noted that the woman had a history of alcohol addiction. “Her oxygen saturation levels remained between 93% and 97%. Her blood pressure was normal, although her pulse rate was slightly elevated. She did not require oxygen support at any stage,” Dr. Vani clarified.

Subsequent tests showed reduced liver function, suspected to be related to prolonged alcohol use. An ultrasound also revealed stones in the liver and gall bladder. “Her condition suddenly deteriorated during the night. CPR was performed, but she could not be revived and died at 11.10 p.m.,” the Superintendent said. She stated that claims linking her death to a power outage were baseless, adding that all backup oxygen systems were functioning properly.

Assistant Professor Dr. S. Srikanth, who treated the patient, said the 45-year-old woman was monitored in the ICU for about four hours before being moved to the general ward since she did not require oxygen support. “She was stable initially. At around 11 p.m., her condition worsened and she went into cardiac arrest. Tests later confirmed severe liver damage due to alcohol consumption. Despite treatment, she did not respond,” he said.